Vegetable Tempura Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish

Vegetable tempura is a popular Japanese dish that features a light and crispy batter coating various vegetables. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step vegetable tempura recipe that you can easily follow to prepare this mouthwatering dish at home. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the process of making a perfect vegetable tempura every time.

Vegetable Tempura

Ingredients:

To make vegetable tempura, you will need the following ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and zucchini)
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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
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• 1/2 cup cornstarch
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• 1 teaspoon baking powder
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• 1 cup ice-cold water
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• Vegetable oil (for frying)
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• Salt (to taste)
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• Dipping sauce (tempura sauce or soy sauce)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables:

• Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
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• Pat them dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Make the batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
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• Gradually add the ice-cold water to the dry ingredients while whisking gently.
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• Mix until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.

3. Heat the oil:

• In a deep frying pan or a wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
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• The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.

4. Dip and fry the vegetables:

• Take a piece of vegetable and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
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• Gently place the coated vegetable into the hot oil. Repeat this step for the remaining vegetables, frying them in batches.
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• Fry the vegetables until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually taking 2-3 minutes per batch.
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• Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried vegetables from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Vegetable Tempura

5. Season and serve:

• Sprinkle salt over the freshly fried vegetables while they are still hot.
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• Serve the vegetable tempura immediately with a side of dipping sauce.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Tempura:

• To achieve a light and crispy texture, ensure that the batter is cold and the oil is hot before frying.
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• Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to allow the vegetables to cook evenly.
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• Experiment with different vegetables to add variety and colors to your tempura.
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• Serve the tempura as soon as it is ready to maintain its crispiness.

Making vegetable tempura at home is an enjoyable and rewarding culinary experience. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious and visually pleasing dish that will impress your family and friends. By using fresh vegetables, a light and crispy batter, and following the frying techniques, you'll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality vegetable tempura right in the comfort of your own home. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in the flavors of this traditional Japanese delicacy!